John Ross & Son on Important Disability Case

Stephen Mearns of John Ross and Son recently represented the claimant in the case of Margaret O’Neill v DSD Case Ref: 1922/11 at industrial tribunal in Northern Ireland. Stephen believes that the decision could have major repercussions for disability discrimination laws in Northern Ireland (and a profound effect for disabled civil servants) and has written the following summary of the case:

The claimant in this case was a 29 year-old Civil Servant who developed an aggressive form of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Amongst other reasonable adjustments the claimant requested a transfer to a location closer to home.

The case primarily looked at two distinct allegations.

Firstly; that the Respondent should